this role, if confirmed, is also deeply informed by the 28-plus years that i have been privileged to spend in the senate. that percent specht tiff will remain with me if confirmed as secretary. and i'm already excited by the many ways that we can work together, and in which we must work together in order to advance america's security interests in a complicated and ever more dangerous world. i would add that i'm particularly aware that in many ways the greatest challenge to america's foreign policy will be in your hands, not mine, because while it's often said that we can't be strong at home if we're not strong in the world, in these days of fiscal crisis, and as a recovering member of the super committee, i am especially cognizant of the fact that we can't be strong in the world unless we're strong at home. and the first priority of business, which will affect my credibility as a diplomat, and our credibility as a nation, as we work to help other countries create order, the first priority will be that america at last puts its own fiscal house in order. i really can't emphasize to you enoug